As well as a significantly well padded rear the nose has also been packed with high padding so that even when climbing there will be plenty of support. The company has built another feature into the saddle that is also designed to alleviate pressure and it is called a Love Channel. As dodgy as the name sounds, it actually refers to a depression in the saddle that is right where the sit bones would normally be placed. The removal of this part of the saddle would weaken its integrity so the channel with plenty of padding on the edges is a great alternative.

The point about this type of saddle as well as other saddles that are made specifically for the casual rider is that it is possible to use a saddle that is comfortable to sit on from the very first ride. The Speed V is a sporty looking saddle and has the same sort of profile that you might expect from a racing saddle. The padding is far more obvious and the weight is significantly more, although it is not what you might term a heavy saddle.

Other types of ways in which a saddle might be designed for the recreational rider includes the use of gel inserts under the saddle cover. Although these inserts create a softer feel for the rider it is not uncommon for the gel to shift to the side giving the rider a sinking feeling or, worse, no padding at all and they are left to sit on the saddle shell. Another drawback with some types of gel saddles is that the rider can feel as though they are sinking into the saddle and there is a commensurate loss of pedal power.

What works for one type of rider is not necessarily going to feel great for another and this is certainly the case with comfort saddles. There are comfort or recreational saddles that are particularly soft and this can be met with great approval from the first person and grave disappointment from the next. A mixture of high padding and a firm shell can provide the best of both worlds.

Anyone who is prepared to put in some solid work in testing out saddles is going to be far more likely to come up with a saddle that best suits their needs. To return to the WTB Speed V saddle, the great thing about choosing this type of saddle is that it only costs around $20. So even if you aren’t completely happy with how it feels you won’t be terribly out of pocket if you feel you want to try a different one.

Anyone who is looking for a solid Mountain Bike that is capable of being thrown around through all types of terrain and still give you a sweet ride the Diamondback Overdrive 29’er Mountain Bike is a great choice. This bike has been sitting at the top of the pile for a number of years now and the new season model has just been released and once again it looks like a smooth riding number.

The sturdy aluminum frame is complemented by the SR Suntour XCT MLO fork to provide you with a mountain bike that is capable of standing up to significantly difficult trails.

Use this bike as the ultimate entry level bike because the price is suitable for those still a little unsure about what they want. The introduction is more than likely going to be a positive one and it may well be the case that you won’t want to move up from this particular bike.

When you consider that this is a bike sitting in the sub-$500 price range it highlights the great value for money it represents.

Click here to see the great price you can buy it for.

Here are the vital statistics about the bike as per the Diamondback site.

Sizes SM (16″), MD (18″), LG (20″), XL (22″)
Frame Overdrive 29″ Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum w/ Formed Top / Down Tube, integrated Headtube, DB Snake Stays, replaceable hanger
Fork SR Suntour XCT MLO 100mm travel, 28.6mm stanchions w/Mechanical Lock out
Rear Shock N/A
Cranks SR Suntour XCT 22/32/42t
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge
F. Derailleur Shimano TX50 dual pull, Top swing, 34.9
R. Derailleur SRAM X-4 8spd
Shifter SRAM X-4 trigger 8spd
Brake Levers Tektro Alloy w/ reach Adjust
Brakes Tektro Novela Disc w/ 6″ Rotors
Gear SRAM PG-820 8spd Cassette (11-32t)
Rims 32h Weinmann SL-7 Doublewall
Tires WTB Prowler SL 29×2.1
Pedals Wellgo Alloy forged, CNC MTB
Handlebar DB Lazer Series 31.8mm low rise
Stem DB AL6061 Ahead 7° 31.8mm
Seatpost DB Lazer Series Micro Adjust 30.9mm
Seat Avenir Series 200 Black
Headset Integrated “Cane Creek” Size Drop-in ACB 1 1/8″
Colors Black
Chain KMC-Z82
Hubset (F) 32h SL-7 Alloy w/ CNC Disc Mount (R) 32h SL-7 Alloy Cassette w/ CNC Disc mount
Spokes White 14g Stainless Steel
Grips DB D2 Kraton
Extras DB Key Chain, Owner’s manual, H20 bottle mounts, Chainstay Protector, Clear Coat, 3 extra inches of wheel diameter!
Note Specifications are Subject to Change